The first evidence of a Great Yarmouth school’s regeneration has been unveiled, with the opening of a new nursery building.

North Denes Primary School Nursery teacher Jennie Bradley reading to youngsters in the newly built school nursery.
Picture: Nick Butcher

North Denes Primary School is in the progress of expanding, with a variety of new additions being made to the site.

Part of this has seen it offer a nursery service for the first time, which now has its own home at the school.

Having previously shared a room with reception pupils, nursery children are now enjoying the benefit of a custom built facility, featuring both indoor classroom areas and its own outdoor play area.

Debbie Whiting, headteacher at North Denes, said: “Being able to offer nursery services is such a big boost for us as a school - it allows us to build relationships with families sooner and help prepare the children for school life.

“We are delighted with how the new building looks and it is so important that these children now have their own space to learn.”

She added: “Having a nursery makes the school a much better community resource as a whole.

“We already offer lots of services and support to families living in the area - for example in mental health - and being able to offer this extra something is very important.

“From September we will be able to take in nursery children from the age of two, so will be developing relationships with families for a longer period of time.”

A new nursery building has been completed at North Denes Primary School, Yarmouth.
Picture: Nick Butcher

Despite it not being a government requirement, the nursery is led by a fully qualified teacher, Jennie Bradley, who says she is thrilled with the new building.

She said: “I think it is fantastic that the nursery now has its own, purpose-built facility.

“We are really lucky to have it. Sharing with reception was nice for the children, but equally it is great for them to have their own space to learn in.”

The new building was funded by Norfolk County Council, as part of its ongoing scheme to expand the school on Jellicoe Road - a plan that has also seen the impending closure of the nearby Alderman Swindell School.

However, the nursery is in no way connected with Alderman Swindell’s closure